Declan Jahn, still in police custody, shuddered. Melody Princeton’s smug look and the fleeting chill in her eyes sent a shiver down his spine. He felt like a venomous snake was targeting him, its fangs poised to strike. This was a harbinger of death. Declan trembled, his hair standing on end.
He had known Melody for a long time, often meeting her through his good friend, Jansen Princeton. He'd always viewed her as a punching bag for the Princeton family, someone who endured beatings, scolding, and general hardship without resistance. But now, he realized he had been wrong—everyone had been wrong. This seemingly quiet, bullied girl was ruthlessly cunning.
Declan regretted listening to Tiffany Kelley and turning himself in. He'd testified that Melody was behind Alexia Harper's kidnapping. Had he made the right decision? If Melody chose to kill him, who could protect him? Tiffany had repeatedly assured him of safety, except for any consequences due to his own actions, but could her words be trusted? Melody had Kenneth Harper's backing; he'd just seen Kenneth secure her release with a few words, despite ample evidence and her status as the prime suspect. The more Declan thought about it, the more regretful he became. He sat on the ground, his expression dispirited.
Meanwhile, at Cedar Ridge Villa, the damaged gate had been replaced, and security upgraded. Tiffany's parents were furious with Mrs. Harper's antics. Fortunately, Mrs. Harper gained nothing and was taught a hard lesson by Tiffany. The Kelley household staff even secretly photographed Mrs. Harper's disheveled appearance, finding her comical and laughable plight satisfying.
Upstairs, Tiffany spoke on the phone with June Spencer.
“Miss Kelley, Kenneth Harper bailed Melody Princeton out. He claimed the evidence was invalid and denied Melody's confession video without even watching it.”
“I’m not surprised,” Tiffany replied.
“Then what should we do? Declan Jahn’s testimony is invalid; it will be difficult to convict Melody,” June said, frowning.
“Send a copy of all the evidence and videos to Alexia Harper. Also, arrange for Jeremy to guard Declan Jahn in the lock-up. He's not important, but I promised to protect him, and I won't go back on my word.”
“Sure.” June hung up and carried out the instructions. [Remove the website promotion]
Tiffany lay on her bed, massaging her temples. Melody's confident words before her arrest echoed in her mind: “Even if the evidence is conclusive, I won’t be convicted. Do you know why?” Melody's confidence suggested powerful allies and trump cards. Was Kenneth Harper's protectiveness the only reason? Tiffany suspected it was much more. She couldn't decipher the meaning, but a bad feeling lingered. She shook her head, trying to dismiss her worries.
The next day was Halloween. The Kelleys loved celebrations. That morning, they distributed pumpkin pies and treats to staff, giving them the day off. With no servants to cook, Charlie Kelley declared, “I’ll cook! I’ll personally cook for all of you!”
Charlie, despite his privileged life, possessed surprisingly good culinary skills. He efficiently prepared vegetables, a far cry from his ruthless business persona. He and Thalia worked together, laughing and chatting, filling the villa with warmth.
As he kneaded flour, Charlie said, “Honey, meatballs are your favorite, aren’t they? You’ll love mine!”
“Yes, meatballs are my favorite!” Thalia replied, then added, “I’m not the only one who likes them. Muffin likes them too…”
Both froze. Thalia’s eyes glazed over; she accidentally cut her hand while slicing cabbage. She gasped in pain, tears welling. Charlie rushed to apply medicine, chiding her gently.
Thalia remained silent, tears streaming. Charlie’s heart ached. “Don’t dwell on this. It’s all in the past. We have a son and daughter now. Everything is fine.”
“How can I not dwell… She’s my flesh and blood. I worry about her, wondering if she’s living well…” Thalia sobbed. “If I hadn’t been careless…”
“It’s not your fault,” Charlie said, his eyes red-rimmed. “We were unfortunate. It’s not your fault.”
Eric Kelley, about to take photos with his new camera, heard the sobbing. Before reaching the kitchen, he heard his mother’s choked voice: “Seventeen years ago, I lost her on Halloween. If she’s grown up, she must hate me. I failed her…”
Thalia, lost in sorrow, didn’t notice Eric at the corner. She continued, revealing she had another daughter, taken away seventeen years ago on Halloween, never heard from again after the second year of her disappearance, with a high chance she had died. The loss had caused Thalia years of mental health struggles and self-blame. Charlie comforted her silently; this was an unhealable wound.
At the corner, Eric’s eyes widened in disbelief. A lost older sister? He shuddered, his festive mood shattered, tossing his camera to the floor. He ran to his parents, asking gravely, “Dad, Mom, what did you mean?”